Look! Obligatory view-from-the-cottage photo, today featuring wet ice! Less obligatory vertical view from the deck. I keep trying to make this shot work. I think it needs something. Catriona mugs for the camera as Grandpa shovels in the background. Love that laugh! More Christmas Presents! Catriona receives a present from Grandpa. We head down to the lake. Our goal is to see how thin the ice is. First up, Grandpa cuts a slice in the ice. Humm... not really that thick, and it's white. White ice isn't good ice, for strength. (it contains air) Grandpa teaches Graeme how to swing an axe. Graeme takes a couple of swings while Grandma and Catriona watch from a safe distance. Grandpa finishes the job. Here's our hole. Why? No particular reason. We got to cut a hole in the ice! It's a bit chilly, but Catriona (and Grandma, both) will tolerate it if it means hugs. Much toastier. Here we are back indoors. Grandma is in her happy place. Grandpa shows Catriona and Graeme a photo on his laptop. I don't think Catriona likes that one. Jenn is working on a pomegranate. A blue jay leaves the railing. With the exception of the green helicopter transformer, all the toys in this shot are from when I (Doug) was a kid. Catriona and Grandma get in one last cuddle before we leave.